How to Avoid Calluses From Running

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NICKI HOWELL Last Updated: Jan 28, 2015

Nicki Howell

Nicki Howell started her professional writing career in 2002, specializing in areas such as health, fitness and personal finance. She has been published at health care websites, such as HealthTree, and is a ghostwriter for a variety of small health care organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Portland State University.

How to Avoid Calluses From RunningPhoto Credit Jocelyn Vodnik/Demand Media

A callus is skin that becomes thicker to protect itself from injury. Calluses can appear on your feet when running because of the friction caused during this activity. The skin might seem flaky, dry and harder than the rest of your skin. It’s possible, however, to reduce your risk for developing calluses during running with a few changes.

Step 2

Pick the right socks. Socks made from polyester-cotton blend are best. That’s because this material helps reduce moisture better than regular cotton socks. Your feet won’t move around as much, preventing calluses.

Step 3

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Pay attention to where your running shoes pinch and pull. Take your running shoes to a shoe shop and ask the staff to stretch the points that rub or pinch. This will help avoid calluses from running during your workouts.

Step 4

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Avoid calluses temporarily by placing a barrier between where the shoe is rubbing and your skin. Accomplish this by placing a bandage inside your running shoes where the shoe rubs against your foot. You also can place lamb’s skin between areas that are tight in your shoes.

Step 5

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Talk with your doctor about using shoe inserts during running sessions if you have a foot problem, such as a hammertoe. This is when the toe has a curled appearance, similar to a claw. These foot deformities put you at higher risk for developing calluses. Your doctor can prescribe special shoe inserts to help prevent calluses during your running sessions. These inserts slip inside your normal running shoes.